Schwinn M717 170 Upright Bike Review
It’s really admirable that a company considers the opinion of users and upgrades their products so as to make them more useful, convenient, and functional for consumers.
The new Schwinn 170 or Schwinn M717 170 Upright Bike is such a product which is an upgraded version of an older Schwinn 170. Comparing to the old model, it has an improved control unit with Bluetooth connectivity. The seat is also slightly improved.
Published: June 12, 2020.
Schwinn M717 170 Upright Bike Specifications
- Dimensions when assembled: 41 x 21 x 56 inches (104 x 53 x 142 cm) (L x W x H)
- Weight when assembled: 58 lbs. (26 kg)
- Resistance: Motorized, magnetic, 25 levels
- Maximum user weight capacity: 300 lbs. (136 kg)
- Warranty: 10 years on frame, 2 years on parts, 1 year on electronics, 90 days on labor
Features of Schwinn M717 170 Upright Bike
Assembly
Assembly of the Schwinn M717 170 Upright Bike is fairly easy. The main components of the bike’s body like the belt, flywheel, resistance components, and crank come pre-assembled. Thus users have to just mount the body on the base tubes, and add console mast, console, seat post, seat, handlebar, and pedals. This should take around an hour.
The manual has all detailed instructions for the assembly and all the required tools are included. Alternatively, users can opt for the in-house “Expert Assembly” for an additional fee.
Frame
The frame of the new Schwinn M717 170 Upright Bike is similar to that of the older 170 model of 2013. The frame is constructed from steel tubing; but its coating is now dark gray, unlike the black one of the older model.
Most parts in the construction, including the caps on the bases, side covers of the drive system, and many other small parts that are meant for protective or decorative purposes are made of PVC.
Footprint
Just like most upright bikes, the Schwinn M717 170 Upright Bike too has a small footprint, and thus, it’s the best buy for those with a small space.
The bike takes up only 41″L x 22″W (104 x 56 cm) of floor space; however, users have to leave a clearance of at least 2 feet on both sides, and of at least 1 foot on the front and back, for ease of access and operation.
Stability
The Schwinn M717 170 Upright Bike offers great stability. While it’s not very heavy, it weighs 58 lbs. (26 kg) and its weight contributes significantly to its stability. In addition, the rear base comes with a set of adjustable stabilizers, with rubber caps, enabling a perfect leveling of the unit, on almost any type of flooring.
Maximum User Weight Capacity
The maximum user weight capacity of the Schwinn M717 170 is 300 lbs. which is not bad for a home-use machine.
Portability
The design of the Schwinn M717 170 is not foldable; however, it is portable, thanks to the transport wheels on its front base, so that users can move it away after exercising.
Console
The console on the Schwinn M717 170 is DualTrack and is more user-friendly and more comprehensive than that on the older model.
Firstly it’s Bluetooth-enabled. This means that users can sync it with their smartphone, tablet or laptop, so as to transfer their workout data directly to apps like SchwinnConnect or MyFitnessPal.
The bike still retains the USB port as the older model, with which users can even import/export the data manually. The USB port can also be used to charge users’ devices.
The DualTrack console features 2 LCD backlit displays with significantly superior readability. The upper display is larger (3”x5”) and shows the profiles of the chosen workout program, the name of the program, the levels of resistance, the heart rate interval, and the user’s goal and their progress towards the same.
The lower display is smaller (1”x5”) and shows time, distance, speed, RPM, resistance level, heart rate and calories burned. Distance can be tracked in km as well as miles, whereas speed can be measured in km/h and MPH.
The console is very easy to operate with its Quick Start and Pause/End buttons that allow users to quickly stop or restart their workout without interrupting or losing their data. The left part of the console has the user profiles function key. Goal tracking and preset programs also have their own keys on the lower part of the unit. Keys for adjusting resistance gradually are located on each side of the smaller display; but there are also keys for quick resistance adjustment for levels 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 12, 15, 18, 21 and 25.
Heart Rate Monitoring
Heart rate can be monitored via the pulse rate sensors integrated in the handlebar. However, the console is telemetry-enabled too, which means that it can monitor heart rate via wireless HR chest strap (not included).
Preset Workout Programs
The Schwinn M717 170 comes with 29 workout programs. These include:
- 12 profile programs like Rolling Hills, Easy Tour, Ride in the Park, Pike’s Peak, Stream Crossing, Summit Pass, Stairs, Intervals, Cross-Training, Uphill Finish, Pyramids and Mount Hood
- 9 heart rate control programs that include intervals between 50–60%, 60–70%, 70–80%, 80–90%
- 1 Recovery Test Program is also offered through which users can know how quickly their heart recovers from an exercise state to a resting state, thus showing their fitness level
- 2 fitness test programs to assess users’ physical fitness improvements
- 4 custom user-designed programs
- 1 quick-start program
In addition to the above 29 workout programs, the bike offers 4 user profiles which users can quickly swap between. Each profile will save data like the user’s name, gender, age, weight, and height. This is great for a household with multiple people wishing to use the bike.
There are also goal settings for time, distance, and calories.
Seat
The seat of the Schwinn 170 is 4-way adjustable. Its post has 14 adjustment holes, around 1” apart from each other. Thus users in a height range from 5’ (153 cm) to 6’5” (196 cm) can be accommodated.
The seat is similar to the older Schwinn MY16 130 model. It has a contoured surface and thick padding for optimal comfort. Its connection to its post is standard and so, users can replace it with a different, compatible seat.
Handlebar
The handlebar of the bike is 2-way adjustable. Since the console mast is fixed, users cannot adjust its height. However, they can adjust its angle using the attached T-knob.
The handlebar comes in a multi-grip design. It also has forearm/elbow-rests which are quite unique as most other models don’t have them. What’s more, it also has a pair of built-in metallic heart rate sensors.
Resistance
The Schwinn M717 170 is equipped with eddy current motorized magnetic resistance system comprising of a small servo motor and a magnetic brake pad. The magnetic pad moves nearer or farther from the metallic flywheel of the bike, when users adjust the resistance, so as to increase or reduce resistance on the pedals.
Being motorized, the resistance can be adjusted only via the console unit. Also, it’s automatically adjusted as per the preset workout program the users choose to do.
There are 25 levels of resistance on the bike that provide light to rigorous interval workouts. The first levels are quite light and are perfect for warm-up or recovery training. The levels from 22 to 25 on the other hand offer a more intense workout that simulates a steep climb and offers a more consistent burn.
Drive System
The bike features a belt drive and a perimeter-weighted, high inertia flywheel. This allows a steady pedaling motion and a consistent momentum. Being belt-driven, the bike produces very low sound, and thus is perfect for use in apartment buildings.
Crankset and Pedals
The bike has a sturdy 3-piece crank system with its crank arms made of solid steel. However, although it can support stand-up pedaling exercises, such exercises are not recommended. This is because the pedals are not made of metal unlike spin bikes, but of PVC material, and thus may break with recurrent standup workouts.
As such, the pedals are oversized and have adjustable straps to prevent slippage.
Users can do reverse pedaling too; however, resistance would not work with it.
Electrical Requirements
The Schwinn 170 needs to be connected to a 110-120V power circuit. An AC power adapter is included. Its specs are 120V 60Hz AC input, 9VDC, 1.5A output.
Add-ons
An adjustable 3-speed cooling fan is located in the mid-bottom area of the console to keep users cool during workout.
The bike also features a sound system consisting of two speakers located on both sides of the fan. It’s compatible with most MP3 players, smartphones and tablets. The sound quality is fairly good.
There is a tablet holder located just below the larger display. It’s large enough to accommodate any tablet.
The bike also features a water bottle holder which too is large enough to accommodate user’s phone, magazines or tablets, and not only a water bottle.
Maintenance
The bike doesn’t require much maintenance. The internal components are pre-lubricated in the factory and don’t need any further lubrication. Thus, users just have to check for loose bolts and parts regularly, and wipe any liquid spills from the console.
Pros of Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
- Solid and sturdy
- Maximum user weight capacity of 300 lbs. which is good for home use
- Well-cushioned and contoured 4-way adjustable seat
- Angle-adjustable handlebar with forearm/elbow rests and grip pulse sensors integrated
- Compatible with Polar wireless chest strap (not included)
- Motorized, magnetic resistance with 25 levels
- LED-backlit console with Bluetooth connectivity which allows direct transfer of workout data to Explore the World, GoogleFit, UA, SchwinnConnect, MyFitnessPal, AppleHealth, MapMyRun/Ride and other online apps
- 29 workout programs
- Goal tracking function
- USB port for importing/exporting workout data and for charging users’ devices
- Add-ons like workout fan, sound system with dual speakers, tablet holder and water bottle holder
- Weighted pedals with adjustable straps to prevent slippage of feet
- Narrow Q-factor that reduces lateral stress on knees
- Smooth and quiet operation
- Easy assembly
- Virtually no maintenance
- Impressive warranty
- Reasonable price
Cons of Schwinn 170 Upright Bike
- A tablet placed on the tablet holder can block the view of the top display
- There may be an assembly issue, especially when done through the “Expert Assembly”, of a workout getting paused and squeaking sounds arising, and users have to disassemble some parts like pedals to fix them
Schwinn 170 vs 130 vs A10 Upright Bikes
Schwinn manufactures several upright bikes that share some features, but also differ in few very important details. Some of these models are Schwinn 170, Schwinn 130, and Schwinn A10 upright exercise bikes.
Their most important features and specifications are given in the following comparison chart:
| Model | Schwinn 170 | Schwinn 130 | Schwinn A10 |
| Photo |  |
 |
 |
| Number of Built-In Programs | 29 | 22 | 7 |
| Bluetooth Connectivity | Yes | No | No |
| Mixed Reality Training | RideSocial App | No | No |
| Performance Tracking | Schwinn Trainer App | Goal Track | No |
| Assembled Weight | 58.4 lbs | 58.4 lbs | 54.7 lbs |
| Maximum User Weight | 300 lbs | 300 lbs | 275 lbs |
| Physical Dimensions (L x W x H) |
41.3 x 21.4 x 55.6 inches | 41.3 x 21.4 x 55.6 inches | 27.5 x 16.5 x 47.5 inches |
| Recommended User Height | 4'6" - 6'6" | 4'6" - 6'6" | 4'10" - 6'2" |
| Heart Rate Monitor | Contact; Telemetry Enabled | Contact | Contact |
| Resistance Levels | 25 | 20 | 8 |
| Flywheel | Yes, 10 lbs | Yes, 10 lbs | Yes |
| Display | backlit DualTrack LCD | backlit DualTrack LCD | LCD |
| USB Charging Port | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Media Tray | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Speakers | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Bottle Holder | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Cooling Fan | Yes, 3-speed | Yes, 3-speed | No |
| Amazon Link | Schwinn 170 Upright Bike |
Schwinn 130 Upright Bike |
Schwinn A10 Upright Bike |
Note: Amazon links open in the new windows, feel free to check them for the most up-to-date offers and prices.
As one can see, Schwinn 170 offers the most of all three models and is suitable even for advanced athletes. Also, it is the most expensive model in this comparison chart, but what you pay is what you get :)
Bottom Line
The new Schwinn M717 170 Upright Bike is a nice upgrade over the older model and has many impressive features including 25 levels of magnetic motorized resistance, 29 workout programs, Bluetooth-enabled advanced console that can help users transfer their workout stats to online apps, solid construction, handlebar integrated with pulse rate sensors, contoured and comfortable seat, and smooth and quiet drive.
With 25 resistance levels and a variety of workout programs, it brings a great diversity in a user’s exercise, and offers light to intense cardio workout, muscle building and toning, stamina development, intervals, and weight loss. It also offers a great warm-up and recovery training. In short, the Schwinn M717 170 Upright Bike offers much more than its price and is a great health investment.
For more reviews and recommendations, feel free to check Schwinn 170 Upright Bike Amazon link (link opens in the new window).
